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This Week's News

If there is one word that stands out in today’s readings, it is “covenant.” God’s faithfulness and goodness serve as examples to us of how to live. Genesis tells the story of Noah and of God’s covenant not only with all people, but with all of nature. Never will the cleansing waters of the flood bring their destructive power to all the earth again. The sign, the reminder to both God and nature, is the rainbow in the heavens.

The psalm reminds us of this compassion of God, and begs God to remember us, not because of our goodness, but because of God’s goodness and fidelity to the promise. God shows us how to be good, not by decree, but by example.

The Holy Father usually marks the solemn opening of the Lenten fast with a procession and Mass on Ash Wednesday evening. He walks from the Benedictine monastery, San Anselmo, down the Aventine hill to the Dominican monastery of Santa Sabina. This very old tradition was revived by Pope John XXIII in the late 1950s. Have you ever wondered who gives the pope his ashes? It’s the cardinal who has been given the “title” of the church of Santa Sabina. The pope’s homily at this Mass states his theme for Lent.

Santa Sabina dates from the fifth century, and is one of the most beautiful churches in Rome. One of the panels on its main doors features the Crucifixion, a scene not normally depicted in art until much later. In the year 1219 the pope gave the church to Saint Dominic for his new religious order, the “Order of Preachers,” commonly called the Dominicans, and it remains their world headquarters to this day. That pope, Honorius III, was a member of the Savelli family, and this church was their personal family chapel. Sabina was a wealthy Roman lady who became a Christian and was martyred, and whose home became a place of prayer. Later, the church built on that spot was dedicated to her memory.

St Paul Parish Directory Update: The directory is expected to be published by late-March. A free copy will be provided to each family who had their picture taken by Lifetouch. A number of limited copies will be available for $5.00 each. For information contact Jerry Fong at 916-689-9418.

“Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

Throughout history religion has served as a catalyst for change. African Americans founded separate denominations in protest against unequal and restrictive treatment by mainstream churches.

Early African American churches also served as a united voice against slavery and racism. These same congregations reached out to aid their brothers and sisters with a network of safety and support, including clothing banks, assistance for single parents and mentoring programs.

AMANDA BERRY SMITH (1837-1915)

She became the first African American woman to work as an international evangelist in 1878. She had been preaching in churches and camp meetings in New York and New Jersey since 1869. By the end of the 1870’s she received constant calls to attend services at camp meeting, churches and other gatherings as word of her incredible speaking and singing talents spread. After serving overseas in Great Britain, India and Liberia, Amanda Berry Smith returned home and opened an orphanage in Harvey, Illinois in 1899,.

JOHN J. JASPER (1812-1901)

He is one of the most famous African American ministers of the 19th century. At the time he was known in and around Richmond, Virginia, as an electrifying preacher, with a style that captivated both African Americans and White Baptists as well.

His accomplishments are even more remarkable when you consider that he was a slave in the tobacco factories and iron mills of Richmond during the first twenty-five years of his ministry. Jasper became a full-time pastor following the Civil War. In 1867 he organized the Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church. He continued to attract listeners with his fiery sermons He delivered his most famous discourse in 1878, entitled: “Be Seen Do Move.” The lecture focused on the powers and mysteries of God.

FREE BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING CLINIC – The Health Ministry will conduct a free Blood Pressure Screening Clinic, February 4th from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm in the parish hall. These screenings are presented to increase awareness and prevention and management of hypertension (high blood pressure) and are provided free by your Health Ministry. Because it is possible to have high blood pressure without any symptoms, and because untreated high blood pressure can cause serious problems, even death, it is often called “the silent killer”. Come to the free blood pressure screening clinics and let the nurses of our parish help you monitor and control your blood pressure.

THIS YEAR’S FLU SEASON IS THE WORST EVER AND IT’S STILL NOT TOO LATE TO GET A FLU SHOT! – This flu season has the highest number of influenza-related illnesses in many years. The best defense against flu, the CDC, FDA, pediatricians and other health experts agree, is a flu vaccine. Just about everyone over the age of 6 months should get one, and it’s still not too late to do it! For patients with asthma or other lung conditions, flu is just one more problem for the lungs to cope with. These patients are already having breathing difficulties. The flu can put them into a spiral very quickly where their breathing gets compromised. Patients with diabetes already have a damaged immune response, so they also are more susceptible to flu. Humans need a certain level of oxygen and if blood oxygen levels fall too far, they enter a state called hypoxia. Hypoxia can cause organ damage within minutes. That’s why bluish skin or difficulty breathing is an emergency that requires immediate medical care

April 21st, 2018 we will be celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the dedication of St. Paul Church. The celebration will include Mass, the opening of the “Time Capsule” followed by dinner in the parish hall.

Many religious, dignitaries, parishioners and friends from our past heritage, as well as you, our current parishioners, are welcome to come and hep us celebrate this milestone with us!

Dinner tickets are now on sale: $30.00 each

They will be limited to the capacity of the parish hall, including accommodations for guest religious and dignitaries. Tickets will be sold after Masses, or available at the parish office, or call Dale Yamamoto (916) 257-3323.

You have the opportunity to win a pair of tickets to the Dinner!

Take a copy of “Did You Know, Now Is The Time To Tell Our Story” question and answer (Q&A). If you answer 100% of the questions you win! Turn your answer form into the offertory basket or office before March 18th.

The primary focus of our 25th Anniversary Dedication Celebration is to show our respect and honor our heritage of all, whose selfless stewardship of time, talent, and treasures, built our church and molded our parish culture, our DNA.

We are blessed to have videos of the ground breaking and construction of our Church from 1992-1993 taken and preserved by Casey Sliwa, Becky Sliwa’s late husband. You now have the opportunity to see the videos. Also slideshows of Directories from 1995 to 2013 and other St Paul archives.

Many women faced with crisis pregnancies are abandoned by their families, the fathers of their babies and their communities. More and more, they are poor and in their teens. Some are homeless. Most feel afraid. For too many reasons, abortion seems the only answer. Churches and pro-life service groups have sought ways to expand their embrace of women in crisis pregnancies.

Now comes a way they can do so together ... a way to combine the special power of prayer with a commitment to service - The Gabriel Project!

The Gabriel Project is a church-based outreach whose volunteers offer assistance to women and families facing difficult or crisis pregnancies. Participating churches will "advertise" this commitment by placing a "Sign of Hope", with its "800" number Helpline, which assures any woman that the local Christian community cares for her and is prepared to offer immediate and practical help with her pregnancy. Callers to the Helpline are referred to the nearest appropriate church coordinator. The coordinator and the church volunteers - “Angels”- work with local community resources to meet the mother's needs.

This ministry is created and commissioned to maintain a prayerful-worshiping campus in a safe environment for our parishioners and parish community. You’ll have the opportunity to actively lead and support St Paul's Emergency Action Plan.

This plan includes but not limited to: fire safety, evacuation plan, active shooter awareness, and general safety at St Paul.

If you have the following professional background we are interested in meeting with you.

All persons 14 years and older are obliged to abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent: Everyone from 18-59 is obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Voluntary fasting on other weekdays of Lent is highly encouraged. Fasting is generally understood to mean that one full meal may be eater. Two other small meals may be eated but together they should not equal a full meal. Eating between meals is not permitted but liquids are allowed.

When health or ability to work would be seriously affected neither fasting or abstinence is obliged. Airport workers, travelers and others while on board ships or airplanes are dispensed from the laws of fasting for the duration of their journey.

Other forms of fasting include abstinence from alcoholic beverages, television, video games, the internet and social media is spiritually beneficial and strongly encouaraged.

Flu season is here. If you are sick, or think you might be sick, or are concerned about contracting an illness, you should refrain from receiving the Blood of Christ. Be assured that “since Christ is sacramentally present under each of the species, communion under the species of bread alone makes it possible to receive all the fruit of Eucharistic grace.” [from the Book of Catechism, #1390]

Couples are provided with an excellent workbook and informational materials that are used during the program.

The registration form can be downloaded from our website, and registration needs to be completed by February 15th, 2018. After registration the couple will receive instruction to take an on-line FOCCUS inventory. (Diocese requirement)

Class Schedule

Monday, Feb 26

Monday, Mar 5

Monday Mar 12

Monday Mar 19

Monday Mar 26

Classes are held at St. Paul Church from 7:00 to 9:30pm. Please note that participants are required to attend all sessions in order to receive the Certificate of Completion.

Saint Paul Parish is blessed to be a multi-cultural community. We know that several languages are spoken by our parishioners and to assist those who do not read English as their first language we have added a translator to each page. Read entire article for details.

Look for the "translate" module at the bottom of each page. Other languages available: Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.

Receive the Body of Christ is the hand ( although receiving on the tongue is permitted.)

Do not shake hands. Offer the Sign of Peace to those around you with a simple nod, saying, “Peace be with you.”

Do not hold hands during the Our Father.

Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion are reminded to cleanse their hands with an alcohol-based antiseptic before and after administering Holy Communion.

This also applies to those who take Holy Communion to the home-bound.

The obligation to attend Mass on Sunday and other Holy Days does not apply to those who are sick. If you are sick, stay home and take care of yourself. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time, and pray for those who are sick.

The administration of Holy Communion in both kinds will resume as soon as the Bishop deems it safe and prudent to do so.

Vocation Cross Pray Program provides excellence opportunity for families to pray at home for all level of Vocations and teaches children to appreciate the value of Priesthood and Consecrated Life.

Family can sign up to receive the Vocation Cross from St. Paul and pray at home during the following week. Family will spend less than ten minutes each day praying the scripted prayers included in the package then returns the Cross to church at the following Saturday or Sunday Mass.

St. Paul currently has six Vocation Crosses which can accommodate six families per week.

Recent funerals or memorial Masses at St. Paul Parish - your prayers are requested - Your prayers are requested for the families and friends of St. Paul Parish whose funerals or memorial Masses were celebrated during the 2016-2017 church year.

Eternal rest grant them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Bp. Barron's Lent Reflections

Friends, in today’s Gospel Jesus tells Matthew, “Follow me.” The call of Jesus addresses the mind, but it is meant to move through the mind into the body, and through the body into the whole of one’s...